• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
While he is aiming for a higher elected position in Bacolod City, Vice Mayor El Cid Familliaran yesterday said that he will definitely not be running against Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, in whatever elected position the latter prefers.
“I promise to Mayor Albee that I will not run against him, I will stand by that,” Familiaran stressed during the distribution of Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) to Lakas CMD candidates in Negros Occidental, which was held in Talisay City.
Abang Lingkod party list Representative Stephen Joseph Paduano, who also attended the activity, confirmed that Familiaran, who is a member of Lakas CMD, will be seeking a higher elected position.
Paduano, presently serving as a caretaker of the Negros Occidental 3rd district following the appointment of Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, as TESDA secretary, disclosed that he had informed Mayor Albee Benitez of the plans of Familiaran, as early as January this year.
He further stressed that it is now the right time for Familiaran to seek a higher post.
Mayor Albee Benitez has yet to reveal his plans for the 2025 elections, while Rep. Greg Gasataya is about to end his nine-year term as congressman of the Bacolod Lone District.
There has been speculation of a possible switching of positions between Benitez and Gasataya.
During the distribution of CONA to Lakas CMD candidates, Paduano raised the hands of Familiaran, which signifies his full support on whatever position the latter will be aspiring for.
Familiaran said he will wait for the decision of Benitez, on the position he will be running for in the elections next year.
“I will not run away,” he further stressed.
On the other hand, the seven Lakas CMD candidates for mayor are Vice Mayor Nehemiah Joe dela Cruz of Don Salvador Benedicto, Councilor Mika Escalante of Manapla, Salvador Escalante Jr. of Cadiz City, Atty. Rowena Lizares of Talisay City, reelectionist Toboso Mayor Madonna Jaojoco, Councilor Anejo Nicor of La Castellana, and former Mayor Mark Golez of Silay City, who recently resigned from the Partido Federal ng Pilipino (PFP).
Incumbent Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego is a member of the PFP.
Golez said he already informed TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez and Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, a congressional aspirant in the 3rd district of Negros Occidental, of his decisions, and that of his running mate, Councilor Ryan Gamboa.
The seven Lakas CMD vice mayoral bets are Miguel Zayco – Kabankalan City, Edgy Javellana – Candoni, Ryan Gamboa – Silay City, Edgar Pagayonan – Manapla, Richard Jaojoco – Toboso, Johnny P. Reosura – Murcia, and Felix Matias Segundo Yulo III – Moises Padilla.
Aside from the 14 mayoral and vice mayoral candidates, 49 candidates for councilor also took their oaths as Lakas CMD members before being issued their respective CONAs.*
